Students are introduced to the skills and processes of science in an experiential, hands-on program that spirals in complexity throughout their years at Keys. To enhance the learning experience, the program is driven by student-led inquiries. During the middle school years, we introduce the students to a variety of topics in Earth, Physical, and L ife science areas. The curriculum is arranged so that students sequentially build on their knowledge from year to year. The scientific content is often integrated with the reading and study skills that students need to excel in high school.
Kindergarten
Process/Skills
Life Science
- Trees
- Five senses
- What is alive?
Earth Science
Physical Science
- Science of sound
- Simple machines
- Magnets
First Grade
Process/Skills
- Classification
- Finding patterns in nature
Life Science
- Life cycles & butterflies
- Garden plants & animals
Earth Science
- What's in the garden soil?
- The Sun, moon, & stars
Physical Science
- Properties of matter
- Magnets
Second Grade
Process/Skills
- Asking questions & making predictions
Life Science
- Local watershed
- Ecology
- Rainforest
- Habitats
Earth Science
- Water pollution & solutions
- Rocks
- Fossils & dinosaurs
Physical Science
- Properties of water
- Machines & motion
Third Grade
Process/Skills
Life Science
- The human body
- Ornithology
Earth Science
- Weathering & erosion
- Planets & the solar system
- Volcanoes
Physical Science
- Properties of air
- Electricity
Fourth Grade
Process/Skills
- The Scientific Method
- Summarizing data in tables & diagrams
- History of science
Life Science
- Coastal ecology
- Marine mammals
- Desert ecology
- Sex education
Earth Science
- California landforms
- Weather & water
- Natural resources & energy
Physical Science
- Basic chemistry
- Astronomy: relative position, forces, & motion
Fifth Grade
Process/Skills
- Observation skills
- Experiment design
- Data collection
- Graphing & visuals
- Research skills
- Using scientific tools
Life Science
- Cells
- Classification of animals
- STEP: salmon & trout education project
Earth Science
Physical Science
- Physical properties of water
- Physical properties of energy
Sixth Grade
Process/Skills
- Cause & effect
- Note taking
- Brainstorming
- Double-entry journals
- PowerPoint presentations
Life Science
Earth Science
- Interior of the Earth
- Minerals & rocks
- Rock cycle
Physical Science
- Bridges
- States of matter
- Periodic table
Seventh Grade
